Jupiter Allen won with ease, showing that he is a very good stayer when getting extremely testing ground.
I wasn't supremely confident with Jupiter Allen, hence the one-point win. I had a feeling in the back of my head that My Silver Lining was going to be a huge danger, even though I did state she looks in need of further.
He jumped brilliantly under Lorcan Williams and won the race on the bridle, not having to sweat at all.
Carismatic Soldier was the complete opposite of Jupiter Allen. He was atrocious.
Slow and sloppy jumping at a few in the final circuit, and came under a lot of pressure early on. He plugged on at the finish when the race was over, so I'm not sure he's on the best of handicap marks.
Reinado 9/4 (2pt) – Ffos Las 4.00
I think it's a tad strange that Reinado hasn't been seen since his quickfire double in November. He was well-punted when winning his last two races, and won both in relatively easy fashion.
The last race at Chepstow was won by just under 3L, but he won with plenty of authority. His handicap mark has gone up 14lbs for the two wins, which raises plenty of questions as to whether he is in the grips of the handicapper.
Even though the 70-day break also raises questions, I think I like it. He raced four times between September and November, three of them being on soft or heavy ground, so maybe a small break and returning fresh is a plus.
He was in good form prior to his recent wins, which saw him be a faller late into the race over today's course and distance. He was in contention as he fell, and the form has worked out nicely. The winner has won another two times since, and was fourth in a Class 2 won by Came From Nowhere, who I am a massive fan of.
Knowing that Reinado was going to go close over today's course and distance is a confidence booster, not that I needed further confidence in him winning. The ground being testing is also a major plus, as his form has gone to the next level since he has started to race on this surface. Fingers crossed he is ready from his short break, and that he can continue his progression.
I don't think it'll be an easy win, as El Gavilan is in good form and has shown progress on soft ground from his recent course and distance win.
GambleAware